Pityriasis Versicolor (Tinea Verisicolor)

Medically reviewed by The Dermatologists and written by Dr. Alexander Börve

Common
More than 2 000,000 US cases per year

 

  • Requires medical diagnosis
  • Symptoms: Hyperpigmented scaly patches
  • Color: Typically orange
  • Location: Chest, back
  • Treatment: Topical anti-yeast shampoos, ketoconazole 2% cream

Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection caused by the skin yeast, Malassezia furfur. The fungus is found on the skin surface of most adults and thrives in warm and moist environment, especially on oily skin.

It is especially common on the back of young adults, particularly after sun exposure as the patches do not tan, creating uneven tanned skin. It is harmless and can be easily treated with topical products. However, once treated it may take months for the skin to get re-pigmented (gain color).

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Symptoms

Pityriasis versicolor causes discrete hyperpigmented, orangey, scaly patches. This is because it often causes sharply defined spots that gather together to form large patches on the skin. Sometimes, these spot can also be brownish and scaly. It is usually located on areas with a lot of sebaceous and sweat glands, such as the chest and back.

 

What can I do?

Even though the disease is not contagious, it often needs to be treated with prescription medication.

 

Should I seek medical care?

You should get advice on application of anti-yeast shampoos from your healthcare provider or at a pharmacy.

 

Treatment

Topical anti-yeast shampoos, such as Oliatum scalp shampoo, Selsum shampoo, and Nizoral shampoo, tend to work well to treat pityriasis versicolor. They can either be applied directly to the skin overnight (although this may cause irritation), or used daily in the shower. You should leave it on the skin for 5 minutes before rinsing. Continue treatments long term to reduce recurrence for 6-12 months. For smaller areas, ketoconazole 2% cream is a also good option. It is important to treat the entire upper body and arms even if lesions are not looking so prevalent out. The risk of relapse is high and you should start a treatment again.

 


Source:

American Academy of Dermatology. Tinea versicolor. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/color-problems/tinea-versicolor

British Association of Dermatologists. Pityriasis Versicolor. Available at: http://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?id=226&itemtype=document

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